‘I will manage him… we want him to play as many games as we can’: Frank Lampard heaps praise on ‘quality’ Thiago Silva for role in Sevilla shut-out and insists 36-year-old’s experience can solve Chelsea’s defensive woes
Frank Lampard is determined to call on Thiago Silva as much as possible this season after the veteran defender produced a starring role against Sevilla.
With Chelsea reeling from their defensive collapse against Southampton, which saw victory snatched away in stoppage time, Silva returned to the side and his experience told as Lampard’s side produced a timely clean sheet in their Champions League opener.
At 36, Lampard knows Silva needs to be carefully managed and while he cannot play every game, the Chelsea boss notices the big difference in his side when the Brazilian is left out.
‘I thought he was very good today,’ Lampard said. ‘I spoke about quality and experience before the game and he brought both of those and it affects others around him, which I think he did.
‘He was a big plus in terms of getting the clean sheet. Over the season, I will manage him and I have a very close relationship with him already even if he uses a translator.
‘I will always work closely with him and I remember being in the same position myself towards the end of my career, in the last year in the Premier League.
‘So I will be very aware of maintenance training and his selection as we want him to play as many games as we can to be at his optimum level.’
More to follow.